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arXiv · 1009.2381

Outburst activity in comets: II. A multi-band photometric monitoring of comet 29p/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1

Josep M. Trigo-Rodríguez·D. Aníbal García-Hernández·Albert Sánchez·Juan Lacruz·Björn J. R. Davidsson·Diego Rodríguez·Sensi Pastor·José A. de los Reyes
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Abstract

We have carried out a continuous multi-band photometric monitoring of the nuclear activity of comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 from 2008 to 2010. Our main aim has been to study the outburst mechanism on the basis of a follow-up of the photometric variations associated with the release of dust. We used a standardized method to obtain the 10 arc-sec nucleus photometry in the V, R, and I filters of the Johnson-Kron-Cousins system, being accurately calibrated with standard Landolt stars. Production of dust in the R and I bands during the 2010 Feb. 3 outburst has been also computed. We conclude that the massive ejection of large (optically-thin) particles from the surface at the time of the outburst is the triggering mechanism to produce the outburst. Ulterior sublimation of these ice-rich dust particles during the following days induces fragmentation, generating micrometer-sized grains that increase the dust spatial density to produce the outburst in the optical range due to scattering of sun light. The material leaving the nucleus adopts a fan-like dust feature, formed by micrometer-sized particles that are decaying in brightness as it evolved outwards. By analyzing the photometric signal measured in a standardized 10-arcsec aperture using the Phase Dispersion Minimization technique we have found a clear periodicity of 50 days. Remarkably, this value is also consistent with an outburst frequency of 7.4 outbursts/year deduced from the number of outbursts noticed during the effective observing time.

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Josep M. Trigo-Rodríguez, D. Aníbal García-Hernández, Albert Sánchez, Juan Lacruz, Björn J. R. Davidsson, Diego Rodríguez, Sensi Pastor, José A. de los Reyes. 2010-09-13. Outburst activity in comets: II. A multi-band photometric monitoring of comet 29p/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2010.17425.x

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